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International Marketing Study Program 2001
UK "After Hours" report
10-16 January 2001
Thursday saw the group visit Manchester United Football Club. After the business end was completed, we were treated to an exclusive look inside the player's lounge and change room, then a walk through the hallowed players entrance to the ground (through the Tunnel!). After taking many, many photos with many, many cameras, we enjoyed lunch in the Red Café and a walk through the ManU Mega shop. More photos, then off in the bus to take a sight seeing tour of the thriving metropolis of Manchester. Dropping Welly and Chris off to visit the museums along the way.
Dinner for most was a brisk walk to the local fish and chip shop reputed to be the best in Manchester, which unfortunately was closed. A stroll around the corner found another one that was open. After ordering fish and chips we proceeded across the road to the local pub (as you would!). Luke confidently strode in, took a seat and proceeded to eat his fish and chips so we all followed. After ordering beers and polishing the table with the grease from the fish and chips we relaxed and enjoyed the local atmosphere. Whilst ordering a beer, Rosie chatted to Herman, a local who works for the royal mail. Lisa then noticed Herman eyeing Diane and waved at him, this was all the invitation Herman needed. He joined our group and invited us to attend his retirement party on the 9th of February. Regrettably we had to inform him we would be home in Australia. Herman insisted on obtaining our addresses to which Luke told him we would be at the Fremantle hotel every Wednesday night and to meet us there. Herman took at least 20 photos of our group, escorted Laura and Dianne to the door and dutifully kissed them goodnight to much applause and rejoined the group only to have Kriti read his palm. Kriti informed him she couldn't be kissed as she was Indian and Lisa told him she doesn't kiss on the first date. We then moved on to inspecting some photo license "mug shots", when Terri noticed it was Hugh's 21st birthday. We enjoyed many toasts and insisted Hugh fulfill the traditional birthday scull, which he was slow in fulfilling. Herman generously shouted a round for the group and upon leaving he most sincerely gave his Royal Mail cap to Rosie to keep.
Friday saw the group up early to be transported by coach to Cadbury at Birmingham. After an uneventful trip through the English countryside, we finally arrived at Cadbury. A small number of the participants then managed to get caught in the lift en route to our meeting room. Yet again more photos were taken inside the lift as evidence. Welly came to the rescue and opened the doors in one mighty pull. We salute you Welly! We were then escorted through the Cadbury factory where we were welcome to eat as many chocolates as we could fit in. Hands up those who are sick of chocolate!
On the bus again and off to London we go. We valiantly kept Jodi awake so we didn't miss out on her constant chatter. Shireen took over reading palms and Kriti did an analysis of everyone's handwriting. We then tried unsuccessfully to play charades down the back of the bus and then launched into celebrity heads where eventually the whole group joined in causing the bus to lose traction on its front wheels. Stuart had a hard time guessing himself; Michael valiantly defended himself when questions like "is he good looking" were asked. We arrived in London passing by some exciting landmarks, arriving at our hotel in reasonably good form. The whole group had dinner at a local Italian restaurant and most people had an early night. 12.30am put an end to that with the screeching of the fire alarm (which most thought was another wake up call). We all piled onto the street with no make up, few clothes and bewildered looks, while we waited for the fire brigade. Cute pyjama pants everyone wears!
Saturday and Sunday were free days for exploring London, people visited places like Buckingham Palace; Notting Hill, Harrods, London Tower and St Pauls Cathedral, tackling the Underground in their stride.
Whilst some enjoyed a show, "The Graduate" some had Chinese in Chinatown, some tried the local recommended curry place and everyone has caught up with friends and family at the local Internet Café. A group ventured into West Ham to support the local soccer team playing Sunderland at home. En route to the soccer the group decided to visit a local London pub, after squeezing into the pub, which was wall-to-wall pure English "blokes" we enjoyed a pint, ate the traditional fish and chips (again) then headed for the ground. The usual photo sessions occurred along the way with Bobbies and police horses and people looking at us as if we were "……..tourists" ha-ha, we are!!!!! The game was interesting with the West Ham "Hammers" losing two-love, but it's not "soccer", it's football and it's not two-love, Lisa, it's two-nil. Another drop in at the pub on the way home where we guarded the door to the gents really well, even so well that Welly had trouble getting in and out. We even met "Harold" from Neighbours at the pub, he watches diligently every week. Mok headed off at the same time as the other group on a four-hour journey to watch his beloved club, Blackburn Rovers. His fellow soccer fan members adopted him and assisted him in downing quite a few pints at the pub.
We thought Laura, Danielle and Diana had been lost in our hotel fire as we haven't seen them for a while, but they have resurfaced ready to join the group. Although, we have sighted Diana on the phone, yet again!!!! As for romance - well I'm on the lookout - beware everybody, I know who is attached and who isn't. Luke has been deviously sneaking out at night looking for "Ling-Lui" and sleeping most of the days - so we are not sure what he is up to!!!
Until next time...
Rosie
Dinner in London - Jocelyn, Terrie, Mok, Michael M, Michael D, Stuart, Jodi, Lisa, Janine and Rosie
Airport to Manchester - Rosie, Janine,Stuart,Luke, Lisa Jodi, Rosie, Daniele
London theater......MAMA MIA
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